Last updated on January 10th, 2025
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These Cranberry BBQ Turkey Meatballs! This recipe combines the lean protein of ground turkey with the sweet-tart flavor of cranberries and the smoky tang of barbecue sauce. The result? A mouthwatering dish that’s perfect for family dinners, holiday meals – or any time you want to impress your guests.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Healthier Option: Using ground turkey instead of beef makes these meatballs a leaner choice for your main dish.
- Festive Flavors: The cranberry BBQ glaze adds an irresistibly fruity holiday touch to a classic comfort food.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, this recipe is perfect for cooks of all skill levels.
- Crowd-Pleaser: These meatballs are sure to be a hit as the centerpiece of your next dinner.
Cranberry Glazed Turkey Meatballs Recipe
Ingredients
For the meatballs
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- chopped spring onions (optional, for color)
For the glaze
- 1 cup cranberry sauce
- 2 tbsp BBQ sauce
- 1 tbsp water (if needed for thinning)
How to Make
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well using your hands or a fork until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Form the mixture into meatballs, about 1.5-inches in diameter. You should get approximately 16-18 meatballs.
- Place the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each one.
- Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and lightly browned on the outside. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
- While the meatballs are baking, prepare the glaze. In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberry sauce and BBQ sauce. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is smooth and well combined. If the glaze seems too thick, add a tablespoon of water to thin it out.
- Once the meatballs are done, transfer them to a large bowl. Pour the warm cranberry BBQ glaze over the meatballs and gently toss to coat evenly.
- Serve immediately as a main course, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
How to Serve
- Serve these meatballs over a bed of fluffy mashed potatoes or creamy polenta for a comforting meal.
- Pair with roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts or carrots for a well-rounded dinner.
- For a lighter option, serve alongside a crisp green salad and crusty whole-grain bread.
Tips
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture or the glaze.
- Try using different types of BBQ sauce to change up the flavor profile.
- These meatballs can be made ahead and reheated in a slow cooker with the glaze for easy weeknight dinners.
Cranberry Glazed BBQ Turkey Meatballs Deserve the Spotlight!
Yes, these meatballs are perfect for holiday dinners, but they’re tasty enough to enjoy year-round. You won’t be able to keep this recipe on the back burner once you’ve had it.
Give this recipe a try for your next dinner, and watch as these meatballs become a new family favorite!
PrintCranberry Glazed Turkey Meatballs
Are you looking for a delicious and satisfying main course that’s both flavorful and a little bit different? Look no further than these Cranberry BBQ Turkey Meatballs!
- Category: main
Ingredients
Scale
For the meatballs
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- chopped spring onions (optional)
For the glaze
- 1 cup cranberry sauce
- 2 tbsp BBQ sauce
- 1 tbsp water (if needed for thinning)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well using your hands or a fork until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Form the mixture into meatballs, about 1.5-inches in diameter. You should get approximately 16-18 meatballs.
- Place the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each one.
- Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and lightly browned on the outside. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
- While the meatballs are baking, prepare the glaze. In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberry sauce and BBQ sauce. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is smooth and well combined. If the glaze seems too thick, add a tablespoon of water to thin it out.
- Once the meatballs are done, transfer them to a large bowl. Pour the warm cranberry BBQ glaze over the meatballs and gently toss to coat evenly.
- Serve immediately as a main course, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
- Serve over a bed of fluffy mashed potatoes or creamy polenta for a comforting meal.
- Pair with roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts or carrots for a well-rounded dinner.
- For a lighter option, serve alongside a crisp green salad and crusty whole-grain bread.
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture or the glaze.
- Try using different types of BBQ sauce to change up the flavor profile.
- These meatballs can be made ahead and reheated in a slow cooker with the glaze for easy weeknight dinners.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 meatballs
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
